flyrod

Question
i have a southbend fly rod that i need to know what the identification markings mean, the marking are 24-8 1/2 and D OR HCH . these are the only marking i can locate.

Answer
Hi Jackie,

The 8 1/2 is the length in feet.  The Letter markings are the old silk line designations for the line size suited for the rod.  An "HCH" line is a 7 weight double-taper line.  A "D" line is a 6 weight level line (no taper at all).  These two would be the lines that would be recommended for this rod and cast the best.  If you were going to go out and buy a new line to use for this rod it would be labeled DT-7-F(or S)or you gould probably cast a WF-6-F(or S).  A good fly fishing shop could help you with that.  

I don't know what the "24" is.  Joe Douglas is the old-rod expert on this site and may be able to help further.

Good luck,

Marc